US Beat Mexico 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League Semi-Final Despite Controversy
The United States beat Mexico 3-0 in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final, but the game was marred by controversy as four players were sent off and the match was paused due to homophobic chants. Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic scored twice and Riccardo Pepi added a third for the US in the highly charged match.
Christian Pulisic Puts US 2-0 Up
Pulisic put his side 2-0 up in Las Vegas before Mexico’s Cesar Montes was dismissed in the 69th minute for a wild tackle on forward Folarin Balogun, who was making his US debut after switching allegiance from England. Weston McKennie, who was on loan at Leeds United from Juventus last season, was sent off for his part in the scuffle. Pepi added a third for the US in the 78th minute and both sides had another player red carded when Gerardo Arteaga and Sergino Dest were sent off following another mass brawl.
Drinks Thrown From Stands and Homophobic Chanting
Drinks were also thrown from the stands while fans were warned in stadium announcements that the game could be suspended because of the homophobic chanting. The referee blew for full-time with about half of the 12 minutes of scheduled added time still to play.
Gregg Berhalter May Return to US Coaching Role
BJ Callaghan was in charge of the US team for the game but there are reports Gregg Berhalter could return to the post. An independent investigation – launched after he admitted in a statement co-signed by his wife Rosalind that he kicked her during an argument in 1992 – decided there is “no legal impediment to employing” the coach again.
US to Play Canada in Final
The US will play Canada in the Concacaf Nations League final on Monday after they beat Panama 2-0 thanks to goals from Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies.
Concacaf Condemns Discriminatory Chanting
Concacaf – the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football – said it “strongly condemns the discriminatory chanting” during the game. The Mexican Football Federation have been fined a number of times in the past by Fifa for homophobic chanting by their fans. Fifa also charged Mexico for the behaviour of their fans during their opening game of the 2022 World Cup against Poland.
Conclusion
The US beat Mexico 3-0 in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final, but the game was marred by controversy as four players were sent off and the match was paused due to homophobic chants. The US will now play Canada in the final on Monday, while Concacaf have condemned the discriminatory chanting during the game.